Honoring the Artist: Tom Kranjac
by Marion Wolberg Weiss
It’s not often that our cover
artist is both a respected psychoanalyst and a painter, but such
is the case this week with Tom Kranjac. During the course of a single
conversation, we learn that Dr. Kranjac is unique in other ways
as well, namely his varied talents and skills. Yet one aspect seems
to connect his diverse interests: a belief in process and transformation.
And while Dr. Kranjac never directly expressed his worldview, it’s
obvious that he is firmly committed to the idea that everything
is part of everything else.
Q: Where did you get your inspiration
for the cover image, “Oceanscape?”
A: I’ve always been inspired
by water. John Marin is one of my favorite artists. The sea is part
of my roots, too. My parents are from the former Yugoslavia on the
Adriatic Sea. And I have particular childhood memories relating
to water. Although I grew up in Queens, I remember going to Coney
Island quite vividly.
Q: Now for the primary question:
What do you see as similarities between art and psychoanalysis,
based on your own experiences?
A: The idea of transforming things,
balance, synthesis. Art and psychoanalysis are also for me both
venues for self-expression.
Q: You have mentioned that both call
upon recollection. Can you explain that more specifically?
A: In psychoanalysis, a person suggests
his/her own recollection, and you synthesize this into a coherent
form. An image emerges from this.
Q: In the same way that an image
comes forward when you’re painting. Another similarity, when
you practice psychoanalysis, you say you help people make better
choices.
A: Yes, and art is also about making
choices.
Q: How about the actual process of
painting. How is it like psychoanalysis?
A: You have to have empathy, a heightened
connection to a person; in the same sense, the canvas is like that.
It becomes a focus.
Q: Is that like being in an Alpha
state, like a trance, that many artists experience when creating?
A: Yes, like a hyper state. I surrender
to the experience: I’m “in the moment,” so to
speak.
Q: That’s how actors describe
their process, being “in the moment.”
A: Right. I’ve read The Method,
a very important book on acting. It’s about discovering yourself.
Q: So what about the act of discovery
in your profession and your art?
A: It’s essential. They should
leave you contemplating. Particularly art should reveal what you
created. You should say to yourself, “What happened?”
Q: What got you first interested
in art?
A: When I was younger, I photographed
art works, sculptures, at different galleries. But the real first
experience I had with creating art was when I was ten, and I was
making a dartboard. I took some brushes and enamel paint of my father’s
to do the target. I recognized that it was beautiful. Another important
experience was when going with my mother to the Metropolitan Museum.
My first memory was a painting by Cezanne. That struck me on such
a gut level. He still remains one of my inspirations.
Q: How do you react to your own paintings?
A: I look at my work a lot when they’re
finished. I’m still surprised at how they turn out.
Q: What other art forms do you practice
or are inspired by?
A: I play jazz guitar, and I love
Broadway show tunes.
Q: Your curiosity about the world
is inspiring. Oops, that’s not a question.
Dr. Kranjac’s work is on view
at New York’s Terrain Gallery (141 Greene Street) until March
27. His website is: www.tomkranjacart.com
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